Changes to the classification

Question 1

What were original classification system based on? How has this changed?

Answer 1

observable features

study of genetics and other biological molecules are now able to show evolutionary relationships between organisms

Question 2

What was Woese’s system?

Answer 2

3 domain system

used differences in rRNA as well as membrane lipid structure and sensitivity to antibiotics

3 domains : Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya

Question 3

What are the features of Eukarya?

Answer 3

80s ribosomes

RNA polymerase contains 12 proteins

Question 4

What are the features of Archaea?

Answer 4

70s ribosomes

RNA polymerase of different organisms between 8 and 10 proteins and is very similar to eukaryotic ribosomes

Question 5

What are the features of Bacteria?

Answer 5

70s ribosomes

RNA polymerase contains 5 proteins

Question 6

How does this change the kingdoms?

Answer 6

divides the Prokaryotae kingdom in two

Archaebacteria and Eubacteria

Question 7

What is archaebacteria?

Answer 7

aka ancient bacteria

can live in extreme conditions e.g. thermal vents and anaerobic conditions

e.g. methanogens live in anaerobic environments such as sewage treatment plants and make methane

Question 8

What are Eubacteria? What is their difference from archaebacteria?

Answer 8

consist of the majority of bacteria

for example, they contain a peptidoglycan in their cell wall